Anderson Lanny Blake

Lanny was born in Jackson, Mississippi on May 1, 1934 to Warren E. and Vera Harrison Blake. Lanny was a graduate of Central High School where he enjoyed pitching for the baseball team, going on to play semi-pro. He attended Hinds Community College where he received an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science Technology. For three years, Lanny served in the U.S. Army 24th Division and was deployed to Korea during the Korean Conflict. While in service, Cynthia started writing “pen pal” letters to him for support and encouragement at the request of his mother who attended the same church. As they grew to know one another through correspondence, a courtship developed. Lanny and Cynthia Pilgrim were joined together in Holy Matrimony on September 27, 1958, and celebrated 65 years of marriage just prior to his transition from this world into glory to be forever with his Heavenly Father.

Lanny retired from the Jackson, Mississippi Fire Department as a Captain. He was known and respected by fellow firemen and was affectionately called “Pawpaw.” He was a humble, caring, compassionate man with service being one of his great attributes. He was a simple person growing up in the country. He was the youngest of three children; and he loved his siblings.

He loved the outdoors, running a tractor, grooming the yard, gardening, feeding the birds, ducks, squirrels and fish. He enjoyed visits and celebrations with family and friends, otherwise, living a quiet life. He was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand to his family and neighbors. He also enjoyed observing sports and was a dedicated Ole Miss fan. He loved watching his grandchildren play sports, ride go-carts, and took great pleasure in giving them rides on a trailer behind the lawnmower when they were young. A favorite past-time was solving crossword puzzles. As a fireman, he honed his cooking skills at the firehouse and often contributed in the kitchen at home. One of his favorite recipes to make was Southern Pecan Pie, which became a holiday tradition.

In his prime, he enjoyed camping, hunting, church socials, the game of Rook and so many other things. Lanny knew how to have fun and be fun, always trying to entertain and instigate smiles and laughter. He enjoyed being a member of the church choir for several years. He often exhibited his love to Cynthia by singing their favorite love songs. He was a gentle spirit who loved the Lord and counted it joy to be a faithful member of Broadmoor Baptist Church and Happy Hearts Life Group.

Lanny is survived by his wife of 65 years, Cynthia Gayle (Pilgrim) Blake; three children, Lisa Renee (Blake) Blackburn (Jerry E.) of Brandon, MS, Brett Anderson Blake of Canton, MS and Marla Rachelle Blake (Paul Niekrasz, son-in-law) of Dallas, TX; five grandchildren, Bryana Rachelle Blackburn, Jared Kendall Blackburn, Camden Ryan Blackburn, Zaylee Grace Aaralyn Blackburn, and Layton Quade Blake. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Faye Blake (Warren) of Pocahontas, MS, several nieces and nephews, as well as other extended family.

Lanny is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Warren Blake; and sister, June Wells.

Friends are invited to visitation with the family Saturday, October 21st at 10:00 a.m. until the hour of the memorial service, which begins at 11:00 a.m. in The Chapel of Broadmoor Baptist Church, 1531 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS. Interment will follow at Parkway Memorial Cemetery, 1161 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.parkwayfuneralhomeridgeland.com for the Blake family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Broadmoor Baptist Church.